747-200 Ready for Pushback (PC CD)

The usual comprehensive package from First Flight. This isn't a load and play aircraft like the ones included in FS2004, this is more like the real thing in the way you need to operate it. The manual goes to over 120 pages so not for the faint hearted. If you want a simple flight us the one in Fs2004 but if you like a challenge from when you first start the APU then this is for you! Hunt out a bargain if you can but don't pay over the £20 price for a download from First Flight.

The iconic Boeing 747 has often featured in flight simulations and there are default 747s in both FS2004 & FSX. Like most of the default planes in MSFS the 747 is a rather basic rendition. When released this add-on was the state of the art and was so CPU intensive it strained computers of a decade ago with its 400 swithches and gauges. This product was designed by VMAX Flight Systems and models the Boeing 747/200 in great detail. The package is from a time when manuals were included and this one has 320 pages. The manual is comprehensive and as you might expect is written by more than one person. Some of the explanations are a little confusing and it does assume some flight simulation knowledge. Like many of these manuals there are errors and some control might be referred to as one thing at the start and then have a different name later on. The manual does however explain the background to many systems. It's a bit like reading a book about the 747 in places and there are some parts that relate to aspects outside flight sims. On the CD there are also utilities for a fuel planner/aircraft loader and take off speed calculator. There is also a utility called S-Combo which adds voices for the pilots and crew which is a nice touch. I used to fly this plane for years with lots of alarms at take off and never used the autopilot. On my previous PC I noticed the frame rate was much lower than many other aircraft. This is due to the level of detail in the flight systems. The virtual cockpit is not that graphically detailed. By default it has a slightly unusual viewpoint with the instruments inclined towards you. This can be adjusted however. There are actually two types of cockpit available, one with cicrcular dials for EPR, N1, EGT etc. and another with 'tape' instruments. Only some airlines in the 50 odd liveries flew the 'tape' versions (KLM was one). The 2D panels are superb in this simulation and there sure are alot of them. It is difficult to do the tasks of the captain/co-pilot and filght engineer and unfortunately there's no virtual crew in this aircraft. There is no FMC either which for me is one of the attractions of this plane. Compared with other Boeings of that era, the 747 is quite advanced compared to flying the 707,727 or 737. The sheer weight of the aircraft and the fuel on board can cause problems after take-off if the autopilot/autothrottle are not used correctly. There is a good possibility you might climb too rapidly and then stall or overspeed, the 747 doing roller coaster manoeuvres until you hit the ground or a wing falls off. I found the autopilot quite hard to get the hang of, now I set the altitude hold after take off while the flaps are retracting. The technique with heavies is to keep the momentum going with a sustainable climb rate. The impression of the weight of a 747 is well portrayed with this add on. The external models look just like 747s with well done liveries. The attention to detail here is as expected. Unfortunately there isn't an FSX version of this and with all the gauges trying to make it work in FSX would be very difficult. Just Flight do sell a 747/200 and 300 by Commercial Level Simulations as part of their FLite range (as well as HD download versions). This add on is fairly good on older PCs and FS2004s lower system demands are balanced by Ready For Pushbacks high CPU requirements. This is a classic airliner for FS2004 along with PMDG's offerings and others.Edit: After purchasing another 747 add-on it is obvious that this one is overpowered. I can get up to 40000 feet with near maximum fuel without resorting to step climbs as the speed stays constantly high. The figures for engine thrust are correct so it must be to do with the lift:drag ratio or lack of drag. Disappointing considering this is supposed to be ultra real.For:Systems depthPrinted manualsAccurate aircraft modelsRealistic flight modelWonderful 2D panels54 aircraft liveries includedAgainst:VC a bit datedReal 747's can't lift 330000 lbs of fuel to 40000 ft with a continuous climb